Warehouse Club Showdown Is your membership worth it? We shopped to find out

I’ve been trying to decide whether I should renew my membership to my local discount warehouse club. Now that I no longer have kids in diapers (hallelujah!) and don’t have any plans to buy a flat-screen TV this year, I had to figure out whether my annual membership fee pays for itself in savings or not. Curious to know where I might score the best deals, I hit the big ones near me: Costco Wholesale, BJ’s Wholesale Club and Sam’s Club to see how they compare and what they can save a regular family of four. Here’s how things shook out:

Membership fees:

$40 a year

$55 a year

$50 a year

Thomas’ English Muffins

9-count, $2.98

18-count, $5.49

18-count, $8.88

WINNER

?

Yellow onions

10 pounds, $6.98

10 pounds, $6.29

5 pounds, $5.49

WINNER

?

Bananas

3 pounds, $1.46

3 pounds, $1.39

3 pounds, $1.49

WINNER

?

Jumbo sheet cake

$20.98

$17.99

$19.99

WINNER

?

The Laughing Cow Mini Babybel Cheese (.75 ounce servings)

22-count, $8.98

28-count, $9.99

22-count, $8.69

WINNER

?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

$1.88 per pound

$2.99 per pound

$2.59 per pound

WINNER

?

Take-and-bake pizza

$7.99 to $8.87

$8.99

$7.99

WINNER

?

?

Sabra Garden Hummus

32 ounces, $6.48

32 ounces, $5.99

30 ounces, $5.99

WINNER

?

Organic milk

Pack of 3 half-gallons (1½ gallons total), $10.98

Pack of 3 half-gallons (1½ gallons total), $10.99

2 gallons, $6.79

WINNER

?

Milk (non-organic)

1 gallon, $2.96

1 gallon, $2.69

1 gallon, $2.69

WINNER

?

?

Go-Gurt (2.25-ounce servings)

32-count, $7.80

32-count, $7.89

32-count, $7.99

WINNER

?

Unsalted butter

4 pounds, $8.29

4 pounds, $7.99

4 pounds, $7.99

WINNER

?

?

Snapple Diet Iced Tea

24 20-ounce bottles (variety pack), $16.30

24 20-ounce bottles (variety pack), $16.99

24 20-ounce bottles(variety pack), $16.99

WINNER

?

Cheerios

Two 20-ounce boxes, $5.78

Two 20-ounce boxes, $6.29

Two 20-ounce boxes, $6.29

WINNER

?

Skippy Creamy Peanut Butter

Two 40-ounce jars, $9.16

Two 48-ounce jars, $10.99

Two 48-ounce jars, $10.99

WINNER

?

?

?

Coffee (house brand)

Member’s Mark Breakfast Blend, 2.5 pounds, $12.20

Kirkland Signature Starbucks Bean Coffee, 2 pounds, $10.99

Earth’s Pride Organics, 2 pounds, $10.99

WINNER

?

Starbucks Coffee

32 ounces, $18.98

40 ounces, $19.99

40 ounces, $21.99

WINNER

?

Bumble Bee Solid White Albacore Tuna

Eight 5-ounce cans, $11.72

Eight 7-ounce cans, $14.39

Six 5-ounce cans, $8.99

WINNER

?

Iams Adult Large Breed Dog Food

Not available at my location

50 pounds, $39.99

50 pounds, $39.99

WINNER

?

?

Frontline Plus for Dogs (three-month supply, small breed)

$38.10

$37.99

Not available at my location

WINNER

?

Glad ForceFlex 13-Gallon Kitchen Trash Bags

120-pack, $13.46

130-pack, $14.99

130-pack, $14.99

WINNER

?

Ziploc Sandwich Bags

500-pack, $8.98

500-pack, $8.99

240 snack bags, 250 sandwich bags combo pack, $9.99

WINNER

?

Tide Liquid Detergent (170 ounces)

$19.54

$19.95

$19.99

WINNER

?

All Free Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent

225 ounces, $13.98

195 ounces, $12.99

225 ounces, $14.99

WINNER

?

Store-Brand diapers (size 4)

Simply Right Baby Bare, 200-count, $35.38

Kirkland Supreme Diapers, 180-count, $38.99

Berkley & Jester, 140-count, $22.99

WINNER

?

Huggies Snug & Dry Plus Diapers (size 4)

168-count, $38.10

180-count, $38.99

168-count, $38.99

WINNER

?

Huggies Pull-Ups (size 4T/5T, boys)

72-count, $27.66

72-count, $29.99

72-count, $29.99

WINNER

?

Tampax Pearl Tampons

96-count, $13.88

96-count, $13.99

96-count, $14.49

WINNER

?

Duracell AA Batteries

48-count $18.98

40-count, $14.99

40-count, $14.99

WINNER

?

?

Our writer shopped at stores in Connecticut and New York state; prices may vary by location.

What else to consider:

Got Gas?

On the day of my visit, Costco members were paying $3.69 per gallon for gas. Down the street about 50 yards, regular gas at another station was $3.75, meaning Costco members were savings 6 cents per gallon. Assuming you fuel up approximately 15 gallons per week, 52 weeks a year, that’s $46.80 a year of savings in gas—and double that for a two-car household. So if you are fortunate enough to live near a warehouse club with a gas station (not all have this), this is a major plus for you.

Go Big and Go Home (Think TVs and More)

When it comes to electronics, it’s worth a visit to your warehouse. It often has better deals on bigger-ticket items like televisions or computers as well as savings on swing sets and other backyard or home furniture pieces.

Alcohol and Medication

At my Connecticut Costco, anyone over 21 is allowed to shop in the well-stocked, stand-alone liquor store; you don’t have to be a member. The law on this varies state by state, so check your local regulations. However, all membership stores throughout the United States have to provide access to prescription drugs without requiring a membership. Which is good to know since they do provide some of the lowest prices on medications. In fact, according to a new Consumer Reports study, which analyzed more than 200 pharmacies throughout the United States, Costco came out significantly cheaper.

Do You Need All That?

Another big question is whether you have the pantry room to store the bigger sizes that warehouse stores offer. Remember: With fresh grocery items, you have to use them, freeze them or risk losing them to spoilage.

Fancy Feasting

One couple I interviewed insisted the meat was better at Costco. Another steak lover said he swears by the cuts at Sam’s Club. BJ’s had more organic offerings in the store I visited than the other warehouse shops (as well as the cutest refrigerated dog treats!), and I have heard from quite a few local moms that Costco’s cakes are the jam. If you are choosing from more than one club near you, it’s worth doing a walk-around before choosing which one most appeals to you. You’re welcome to visit; you just won’t be able to shop unless you join.

Paper Goods

So I tried to compare the cost of paper towels (Bounty) and toilet paper (Charmin), but the level of complexity due to one- versus two-ply, number of sheets, number of rolls and thickness was insane. Insane, I tell you! I’m going to call this a draw based on sheer exhaustion and a lack of a Ph.D. in mathematics. Sorry.

The Final Analysis

BJ’s: 8 wins

Costco: 15 wins

Sam’s Club: 13 wins

I was surprised at how close the price differences were between the three membership clubs. We’re talking pennies, not dollars. So it makes the most sense to join the club most convenient to you, or that offers the extras you want. And don’t forget that though Costco won our contest, they also charge $5 more than BJ’s and $15 more than a Sam’s Club membership.

I also walked around a few grocery stores and other non-membership big-box stores for further comparison, and the membership clubs were cheaper on almost every single one of the items listed above.

The Verdict

If you’re going to be doing a good chunk of your grocery shopping at a membership store, it is worth it.

Save Even More

Sam’s Club: Through April 28, Sam’s Club is opening its doors to the public in 600 locations across the country to offers savings to non-members as well. Sam’s will provide complimentary food and beverage samples from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you miss this opportunity, you can get a free one-day pass to Sam’s Club with this printable coupon. To find a Sam’s Club nearest you, click here.

Andrea Pyros is a freelance writer and mother of two who lives in New York's Hudson Valley.

Penny Pincher

You can also go to Aldi’s (a no-frills, fast-growing supermarket chain owned by the same German company as owns Trader Joe’s) and buy most of these items without having to join any club for any membership fee. You also don’t have to buy in bulk to save money.

patsy1715

Love Aldi’s. produce is tops. The only time I buy regular store in when I know the price of BOG2 Free.

http://www.facebook.com/karen.majette.johnson Karen Majette Johnson

Wish we had an Aldi’s, well we are progressing we have a few more Trader Joes

Aldi’s is a lot closer to me (20 miles each, in either of 2 directions) than the warehouse stores (35 miles each in 2 other directions to either Sam’s Club or Costco). Actually, there’s an Aldi’s warehouse in my home town – but no Aldi’s retail store yet!

doktorcrash

Not to be nitpicky, but as I used to work for Trader Joe’s, I felt the need to correct this. Trader Joe’s is owned by the Albrecht family which owns Aldi’s, not the Aldi company. All Trader Joe’s holdings are held completely separate in an Albrecht family trust.

patsy1715

I get a 60 free trial membership at Christmas time and use it about 2 times. Then I have no further use for it, so doesn’t pay to pay $50 for membership.

http://twitter.com/MommaBeThyName Stephanie Bernaba

Berkley and Jensen. Not Berkley and Jester.

Michelle

The thing is when you’re looking to save you buy from grocery stores when things are on sale, not just any time. You save a LOT more that way IMO.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Vera-Kalva/100000806820820 Vera Kalva

I Do Not Like sams club they are awful with there workers! if you have a problem in the store if an employee it is supposed to be open door policy but they turn it against you! do not trust them they say zero tolerance and that means you can be thinking of something and if you have a look no one likes or if they think you might have said something you are out the door!

kathy

I have belonged to all three over the years and by far, we save so much more money with BJ’s. Not only do they send you coupons but you can use your regular coupons on top of theirs to really save. We have been far happier with almost all the items we buy there.

http://www.facebook.com/karen.majette.johnson Karen Majette Johnson

We have Bj’s membership for a few reasons: we get 3 additional months with my husbands work discount, it’s closer than the other two by a good 20-30miles, and Bjs offer gas..then the big one (well, for me and the coffee drinkers) our Bjs has whole bean Starbucks at 42oz for $19.99. Almost forgot they accept their coupons plus you can use manufacturer coupons on top of that..But I miss Costco, just too far to justify.

Amy McKay

I love Sam’s Club. We don’t have a BJ’s In las Vegas So I dont know anything about that store, but Costo in my opinion SUCKS!!! I have been to the one in Las Vegas nv the one in Silverdale WA and I have to say Sams’ Club has better Customer service, and way better prices.

AS48

I think many people are enamoured with the *idea* of bulk purchases and think they’re saving money, when in reality, they’re being lured into purchasing items they don’t need. All those “free samples”, bulk packaging and price-per-ounce notes on the price labels make you think you’re saving money. But let’s be honest here – how many of us go to the store – any store – and calculate the price per ounce when shopping for groceries? I had a Sam’s membership for a few years when I had a large family that included toddlers and young adults – but I also had an extra freezer to store things in. These days, living with my elderly mother as her caregiver and no one else in the house, I just can’t justify the $50 membership anymore. There’s nothing at those clubs that I can’t purchase elsewhere with coupons and get just as good a deal, or better.

http://www.facebook.com/joshcoonradt Joshua Coonradt

Support costco! They not only won the above challenge, they treat there employees well, pay a living wage and there CEO is paid the least of the 3 companies!

nunya bidnezz

You forgot about gas at Sam’s Club. Always the cheapest place to buy it.

pj

gas here dsown the street is $3.34 here in Florida

Michelle Cosby

I am loving it that Costco pays their employees and offers benefits. They pay well. AND I always see the same employee faces every week. Employees are faithful to a job/employer that treats them fairly too! Love them, and go there all the time.

Kathy Davenport

Even though it’s not convenient, we shop at Costco because of the better working conditions–better wages, better benefits. We find the workers there more helpful and pleasant. When we recently bought a large item that wouldn’t fit in our car as packaged, the staff suggestdd taking it out of the box–and if we had one of their workers do this and get it into our car, they would still accept a return if it didn’t work once we got home. What service!

http://www.facebook.com/chris.turnerpasek Chris Turner Pasek

We do not have Costco here in WNY….we do have a BJ’S and it is 5 min from my house so we have a membership with our daughter….me for Gas mostly and her for diapers for her grandsons. My other daughter has a Costco membership with her inlaws….she loves the fact that they can get their RX filled there and they have 2 young sons so they will be members for a long time I think.

Catherine Earnshaw

Funny that this appeared on my Facebook wall today. I’ve been to Sam’s with a friend recently so I knew what they have that I would buy. I walked through Costco today to see what they have. I would have membered at Costco but unfortunately they did not have the specific items that I was in need of, not specific brand, but specific items. Brand names for the items that I was looking for is irrelevant. Sam’s Club has the items, so they got my membership money today.

If you upgrade your membership at Sam’s this weekend ($100) you get a $25 Sam’s gift card making your membership fee $75.

Gordon’s Food Service/GFS Marketplace has great prices on bulk items if you have one near you. Their bacon is very good and great priced. mmmm bacon They don’t have a membership fee either.

crystal

San’s club English muffins are 2/ 9 ct for the price ,bread ,bagels ,muffins cookies ,soft taco shells in all sizes etc..at my local Sam’s have always been pick two for the one price

sandy

The membership fee at Sams is at least 15.00 less than at either of the others stores. I wouldn’t base my opinion of price comparisons on things I don’t buy. I prefer Sams Club hands down, I like the brands they carry and I wish I could afford to shop at only companies that pay well and are nice to their employees but these days I have to look out for myself and I have been very very happy with Sams , from tires to toothpaste. I like Sams.

VeryValerie

I attempted to do a cost comparison last year. A COSTCO Manager (in Atlanta) came over to me after I had been there for about 30 minutes writing down costs and asked me (rather assertively) “What are you doing?!” I told him and he looked very upset.
I was surprised that COSTCO was 1. That aggressive/rude and 2. unwilling for their prices to be compared.

Andrea

That is strange! I am surprised they are even allowed to do that. Interesting…. I got a few funny looks but no one said anything to me at any of the three stores, and all the people on the floors offering samples were friendly and gracious.

http://www.facebook.com/deborah.cornett Deborah Cornett

Wow an extremely bias report. For starters I have shopped at all 3 clubs and I know that on any given day in a given area produce can very greatly. Second I know all these club have their own generic laundry detergent some work better than others and the price once again varies. I know for me I save almost $80 a year in laundry detergent alone and I’m very picky about my clothes. I live 10 miles from the closest grocery store. I like going and buying in bulk because it’s a pain in the butt for me when I run out of something. However, nothing beats the local store with a sale and coupon. If done right these clubs are a God send but it requires flexibility and knowledge.

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